Barton went to India in 1800 and his skill as a draughtsman was immediately recognised. By 1814 he was appointed Assistant Surveyor to Hodgson, who thought very highly of his work 'Lt. Barton...is exceeded by no one as a Draftsman, either in taking views or giving to Maps and Plans an exquistely beautiful finish'. In December 1815 he was appointed assistant on the survey of Garhwal, Sirmur and Hindur